- Open: Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1
- info@spineandjointcenterfortlauderdale.com
Chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale Spine & Joint Center · Since 1979
Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC and Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC deliver expert chiropractic relief in Fort Lauderdale with 77+ years of combined experience. Using Diversified and Gonstead techniques, spinal decompression, and corrective rehabilitation, we help you find measurable relief from back pain, sciatica, and auto accident injuries. Many patients report feeling measurable relief after their first visit — your results will depend on your condition and treatment plan.
- 77+
- Years Combined Experience
- 45+
- Years Same Location
Targeted Spinal Adjustment, Measurable Relief
Chiropractic adjustment restores proper alignment to the spine’s vertebrae, reducing nerve compression at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels. When vertebrae sit out of position, surrounding muscles tighten and disc material can press against nerve roots — causing pain that radiates into the lower back, neck, shoulders, or legs.
Targeted manual adjustments (Diversified technique) and low-force instrument adjustments (Activator method) move the affected segment back into alignment, relieving pressure on the nerve and allowing the surrounding tissue to recover. Research published by the National Institutes of Health confirms that spinal manipulation reduces acute and chronic low back pain at rates comparable to standard medical care, with fewer side effects. For more severe cases involving disc herniation, non-surgical spinal decompression gently separates affected vertebrae, creating negative pressure that may reduce the bulge and relieve nerve pain.
Spine & Joint Center is located at 410 NE 44th St in Oakland Park, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, serving Broward County families for 45+ years. You can reach our front desk at (954) 561-4700, or schedule online — most appointments are available within 48 hours.
Chiropractic Care for Fort Lauderdale’s Most Common Conditions
From acute injury to chronic discomfort, Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie deliver targeted care backed by 77+ years of combined experience.
Back Pain Relief
Targeted spinal adjustments to ease lower back tension, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility.
Learn More →Sciatica Treatment
Chiropractic care to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and ease radiating leg pain.
Learn More →Auto Accident Recovery
Post-collision care for whiplash, spine trauma, and soft tissue injuries — without medications. Florida PIP accepted.
Learn More →Herniated Disc Treatment
Non-surgical approaches including spinal decompression to address disc herniation and nerve compression.
Learn More →Spinal Decompression
Non-surgical traction therapy that gently separates affected vertebrae to relieve disc and nerve pressure.
Learn More →Neck Pain Treatment
Gentle cervical adjustments to ease stiffness, restore alignment, and reduce nerve pressure.
Learn More →Sports Injury Chiropractor
Recovery-focused chiropractic care for athletes — sprains, strains, joint dysfunction, and performance restoration.
Learn More →Spinal Adjustments
Expert Diversified and Gonstead techniques to realign the spine and restore joint function.
Learn More →Pregnancy Chiropractic
Prenatal-safe adjustments to address pelvic pain, sciatica, and posture changes during pregnancy.
Learn More →77+ Years of Combined Chiropractic Experience
Two licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, four signature techniques, and 45+ years at the same Fort Lauderdale-area location.
Chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale — Answers
Everything you need to know before your first visit at Spine & Joint Center.
What conditions does a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale treat?
A chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale treats musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, headaches, whiplash, and auto accident injuries. At Spine & Joint Center, Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie also address sports injuries, pregnancy-related discomfort, and posture problems using Diversified, Gonstead, and spinal decompression techniques.
How long does a chiropractic adjustment take?
A standard chiropractic adjustment at Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale takes 15 to 30 minutes for established patients and 45 to 60 minutes for your first visit, which includes a full evaluation and treatment plan. Follow-up visits may include a re-check of how the spine responds before the next adjustment.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale?
No, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale. Chiropractors are Florida-licensed chiropractic physicians, so you can call (954) 561-4700 and schedule directly. If your insurance plan requires a referral for chiropractic coverage, we can help you verify benefits before your visit.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care in Florida?
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care in Florida, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Florida auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) also covers chiropractic treatment after a car accident, but you must be evaluated within 14 days of the crash to qualify for PIP benefits. Full $10,000 coverage requires an emergency-medical-condition determination by a medical doctor; without it, PIP coverage is limited to $2,500.
What happens at a first chiropractic visit?
A first visit at Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale includes a health history, an examination, and a discussion of what the examination found. Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC and Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC then explain which techniques they recommend and how a care plan is usually scheduled. Where a condition is long-standing, the plan may cover a series of visits with a re-check at set intervals.
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained chiropractor using prenatal-appropriate techniques. At Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale, we use specialized positioning and gentle adjustments to address pelvic misalignment, sciatica, and lower back pain throughout each trimester. Always consult your OB-GYN before starting any treatment.
Can a chiropractor help after a Fort Lauderdale auto accident?
Yes — chiropractic care is commonly used after an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC and Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC evaluate whiplash, spinal misalignment, and soft tissue injuries that may not show up on standard X-rays. Under Florida law, you must seek care within 14 days of the accident to keep your PIP benefits. Note: the full $10,000 benefit requires an emergency-medical-condition determination by a medical doctor; without it, PIP coverage is limited to $2,500.
What is the difference between a chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitation exercises?
A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique in which a controlled force is applied to a specific spinal joint to improve its motion. Rehabilitation exercises are the movements you perform to build strength in the muscles that support that joint. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC and Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC use both within the same care plan: adjustments for joint motion, exercises for muscular support.
Examination, adjustment and rehabilitation — under one roof.
Book your chiropractic appointment in Fort Lauderdale and start your path toward lasting relief. Same-week appointments are often available.
Located in Oakland Park — Minutes from Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Oakland Park, FL 33334
📞 (954) 561-4700
✉ info@spineandjointcenterfortlauderdale.com
📍 Get Directions → Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed